Dozens feared dead, scores hurt in blast at Switzerland bar on New Year eve

Dozens of people are feared dead and more than 100 injured after a powerful explosion tore through a luxury bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana during New Year’s Eve celebrations, triggering a massive fire and scenes of chaos as hundreds gathered to welcome 2026.

The blast occurred late December 31 at the Le Constellation Bar and Lounge, where more than 150 people were reportedly present. Swiss authorities said the explosion originated in the basement of the venue, setting off a fire that rapidly engulfed the building and overwhelmed local emergency services.

“There has been an explosion of unknown origin. There are several injured and several dead,” police spokesman Gaetan Lathion was quoted as saying by AFP, as videos on social media showed thick plumes of smoke billowing into the alpine night sky.

Hospitals in and around Crans-Montana were inundated with burn victims, with doctors describing the situation as critical. Police confirmed that a helpline has been set up for families seeking information about their loved ones, while a no-fly zone has been imposed over the resort to facilitate rescue and investigative operations.

Beatrice Pilloud, the prosecutor-general of Switzerland’s Valais canton, said a full-scale investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances behind what she described as a “dramatic situation”. Speaking to the BBC, Pilloud stressed that authorities are currently working on the assumption that the incident was caused by a fire and that there is no indication at this stage of a terror attack.

“Out of respect for the bereaved families, I cannot share further details for now,” she said, adding that identifying the victims and returning their bodies to their families will involve extensive forensic and investigative work. As a result, parts of the district will remain temporarily closed.

Swiss media have speculated that fireworks used during a concert may have triggered the blast, but police said the exact cause remains unknown.

Crans-Montana, nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps and located about two hours from the capital Bern, is a major international tourist destination, drawing visitors year-round for skiing, snowboarding and golf. The tragedy has cast a dark shadow over what is usually one of the country’s most festive nights.

The incident comes months after a fire broke out at Switzerland’s oldest luxury hotel, the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva, an 1834 landmark where several people were injured. Switzerland also faces recurring wildfire risks during hot and dry periods; between 2001 and 2024, the country lost more than 3 per cent of its forest cover to fires.

As investigators work through the debris in Crans-Montana, the focus remains on uncovering what sparked the deadly blaze—and on supporting a resort town grappling with sudden and profound loss at the start of the new year.